Bayern Munich entered the winter transfer window with no major qualms and came out with some clever deals.

The winter transfer window is known to be the hardest transfer window to make deals in. This is because many players are cup tied and clubs drive a hard bargain because they do not want to see their stars leave halfway into the season.

This did not slow Bayern down, however, as they managed to strengthen their team for both this season and the future.

Incomings

Leon Goretzka

The biggest acquisition for Bayern Munich this window was the purchase of Schalke central midfielder Leon Goretzka.

There were many clubs linked to a move for Leon Goretzka due to the player being in the last 6 months of his contract with no extension in sight. This would have allowed him to speak to other clubs and potentially leave Schalke on a free in the summer window. Many English clubs were rumoured to be interested in the player including Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, on the 19th of January, Bayern Munich announced the free transfer of Leon Goretzka which will see him playing at Die Roten next season. The move had angered many from the Schalke board saying they had done everything they could have to keep the player but to no avail.

Goretzka brings a lot to the team. He has been likened to Bayern Munich and Germany Legend Bastian Schweinsteiger with his complete midfield game as he can defend, control games and score goals. His versatility will also be a major asset for Bayern Munich as he can play in all the midfield positions – and also as a winger. At the young age of 22, there are some high expectations for this man.

Sandro Wagner

The position of back-up striker had been left empty for some time at Bayern Munich. Robert Lewandowski had bemoaned the long, strenuous minutes he had to play. Hasan Salihamidžić had confirmed in October that Bayern were on the hunt for a striker so the Sandro Wagner deal did not come as a massive surprise.

Wagner was signed to fill this void on a pre-transfer agreement that would become official as soon as the winter window had opened. The transfer fee paid for the the 31 year old is reported to be in the region of €13 million.

Having played at Bayern Munich before, Wagner was delighted to return to Bavaria and fight for a spot. With his physical prowess and sharp ability to finish, he is similar to former Bayern Striker Mario Gomez. He has already scored this season for Bayern in the Bundesliga and will be hoping to make good use of every opportunity he gets.

Alexander Nollenberger

Twenty-year-old Alexander Nollenberger was acquired by FC Bayern II from FV Illertissen for an undisclosed fee. The striker had been in great shape in the Regionalliga Bayern, scoring 11 goals in 22 appearances. This player will be one to keep tabs on for the future as he is showing great potential. This may prove to be a great transfer to strengthen Bayern’s attack in the years to come.

Uh-yeong Jeong

The 17-year-old Uh-yeong Jeong was acquired by Bayern’s U19 squad this window from South Korean club Incheon Youth. The left winger is a good prospect to watch in the future too.

Outgoings

Marco Friedl

The only person allowed out of the team was young defender Marco Friedl. He was loaned out to a struggling Werder Bremen.

This move will certainly add experience to the left-back who is dubbed the young David Alaba due to his playing style and Austrian roots.

Depending on how well he does, Bayern Munich could potentially sanction a sale for Juan Bernat whose future at the club is under speculation after reported interest for English club Everton and give Marco Friedl a bigger role at the Bayern.